The race for the 2026 Laird Raceway championships continues on Thursday, July 30, as week five of Thursday Night Thunder promises another exciting evening of short track racing. With five racing divisions set to battle around the 1/3-mile oval and the always-popular Spectator Drags taking place just before intermission, fans can expect another action-packed night at Northern Ontario’s premier short track.
Through the opening weeks of the season, the championship standings have remained incredibly competitive, with different drivers rising to the top and every point becoming increasingly valuable. As the season progresses, each lap and every finish could make the difference in deciding who will be crowned a 2026 Laird Raceway champion.
In the Super Late Model division, Dustin Jackson continues to lead the standings with 113 points, while Jordan Parniak sits second with 91 points, just ahead of Chase Wilson, who is only two points back at 89. With a few weeks of racing still remaining, the battle for the division title is far from decided.
The Modified division has produced one of the closest championship races of the season. J.P. DelPaggio currently leads the standings with 149 points, but Mark Laakso trails by just five points with 144. Dustin Jackson remains firmly in the championship conversation as well, sitting third with 141 points, only eight markers behind the leader.
The Factory Stock division has featured plenty of exciting racing between the Bibeau brothers. Brad Bibeau holds the points lead with 140 points, while younger brother Daniel Bibeau sits second with 126. Dave King rounds out the top three with 119 points, keeping the championship fight wide open heading into Week Five.
One of the season’s biggest stories has been 14-year-old Will Siddall in the Factory Four division. Siddall leads the standings with 133 points, but Lucas Crosato is right behind with 131, making it one of the closest championship battles at the speedway. Taryn McCoy remains within striking distance in third with 111 points.
In the Enduro division, Eric Sylvestre leads with 23 points, followed closely by Lucas Fabbricino at 21 and Dayne Lorenzo with 16, setting up another competitive night of racing.
Fans will also have the opportunity to witness one of the evening’s biggest attractions as the Spectator Drags return just before intermission. Everyday drivers in street-legal vehicles will battle head-to-head around the front stretch for cash prizes and bragging rights. Every participant receives $50 to start, while the night’s winner will take home an additional $100, making it one of the most entertaining events of the evening.
Admission remains one of the best values in Northern Ontario motorsports. Grandstand admission is $25 for adults, while children and youth 17 and under receive free admission, along with seniors aged 75 and older. Pit admission is $35.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early, with pit gates opening at 4:00 p.m, grandstand gates opening at 5:00 p.m, and hot laps beginning at 5:00 p.m. Racing action will get underway just after 7:00 p.m. Register for here for July 30th spectator drags.
With championship points on the line, close racing expected in every division, and the excitement of the Spectator Drags, Thursday Night Thunder on July 30 is shaping up to be another can’t-miss night at Laird Raceway.
Photo Credit: Tom Stephenson
